Bell, a junior, is a big reason why Andrew Maxwell, a first-time starter at quarterback though being a senior, has had a positive experience during his transformation into a leadership role.

"When we can run the football, that takes a lot of the pressure off Maxwell," Bell said.

"In order for one part of our offense to be effective, we have to be effective in both the run and the pass," Maxwell said. "If our run game can be effective on first and second down, it keeps us out of a lot of bad situations."

Bell's emergence is just part of a progression. As a freshman, he picked up 605 yards on 107 carries and scored eight times. Sophomore year he rushed 182 times for 948 yards and 13 TDs.

Counting last week's win over Central Michigan, Bell has lugged the ball 62 times for 280 yards and four TDs.

"Le'Veon is a versatile runner," Maxwell said. "He has the size to run over people and the speed to go around them."

"When our defense is as good as it is (not allowing the opposition an offensive touchdown yet this season), it's easy for (the offense) to fly under the radar," Bell said. "We know we can score points. We can hold onto the ball and give the defense a chance to rest."

Michigan State, which went on to win 11 games last season, suffered a blip on the radar last season when the Spartans were demolished at Notre Dame, 31-13. Bell's performance -- seven carries, 27 yards -- was indicative of the frustration they felt.

"We want to be balanced against Notre Dame," Bell said. "We want to be physical. Even if they stop the run early, we want to keep coming at them. We want to wear them down. A four-yard run early is going to turn into an eight-yard run later in the game."

"We didn't play a tough, physical brand of Michigan State football (against Notre Dame) last season," said Maxwell, who added that the Spartans also lost two offensive linemen to injury in the game. "We won't be accused of that Saturday night."